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About this quote

What does it mean?
Nothing comes from nothing; every effect has a cause.
In plain terms
You cannot create something out of nothing.
What can you take from it?
Look for causes behind every effect.

Where it applies

  • science
  • debate

Putting it to work

  • trace causes to effects

Questions to consider

  • Does everything have a cause?

Another view

Quantum physics sometimes challenges this classical view.

More from Rene Descartes

  1. Cogito, ergo sum.

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  2. Me tenant comme je suis, un pied dans un pays et l'autre en un autre, je trouve ma condition tres heureuse, en ce qu'elle est libre.

    Permalink to quote #4
  3. Dubium sapientiae initium.

    Permalink to quote #1

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